Texas Ramps Up Hay Hotline

Ranchers are suffering through the worst one-year drought in Texas history.

Source: KUT News | Aug 28, 2011

Ranchers are suffering through the worst one-year drought in Texas history. Many have given up trying to feed their cattle and are bringing them to auction at double, or even triple the normal rate. For those holding on to their livestock, finding affordable feed is a growing challenge.

To help ranchers the Texas Department of Agriculture is updating it's Hay Hotline, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.

The Department hopes that faster, easier access to feed for livestock may allow some ranchers to weather the drought with cattle intact.

It's been estimated that the cost of beef could skyrocket in coming years, as the high number of cattle being slaughtered now mean less beef in the near future.